How Communities & Families Can Support Veterans in Recovery

After returning home from active duty, our nation’s veterans face various challenges, such as finding a job, reconnecting with loved ones and transitioning back into everyday life. However, many veterans also face the additional challenge of dealing with mental health concerns like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder. These concerns can deeply affect their ability to reintegrate into civilian life and build a happy, healthy future. 

At NorthStar Transitions, we know that acknowledging these challenges is the first step to providing effective support. From understanding the nuances of PTSD and addiction to advocating for better resources and treatment options — every action counts. Join us in this important conversation as we explore practical strategies for supporting our veterans in their journey toward recovery and a fulfilling life after service.

Veterans & PTSD

For many veterans, transitioning back into civilian life brings with it numerous struggles, including coping with PTSD. This condition is triggered by witnessing or experiencing traumatic events and can manifest in various ways, such as hypervigilance, flashbacks and trouble sleeping. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the prevalence of PTSD among veterans is higher than in the general population due to the extreme and life-threatening situations they often encounter.

The impact of PTSD on veterans extends far beyond the individual symptoms. It can affect almost every facet of their daily life, including their ability to reintegrate into society and maintain stable relationships. Veterans with PTSD may also feel deeply misunderstood by those who haven't shared similar experiences, which can translate into loneliness and isolation. This creates additional barriers to accessing and receiving the support they need, making it crucial to recognize the broader implications of PTSD in veterans.

The Link Between Mental Health & Addiction

The link between mental health issues like PTSD and addiction is well-established, especially among veterans. Often, substance use starts in an attempt to self-medicate, offering temporary relief from the distressing symptoms of PTSD. However, what begins as a coping mechanism can quickly spiral into addiction. This progression creates a complex dual-diagnosis scenario, where both the substance use and underlying mental health condition intertwine, with each exacerbating the other.

This dual challenge necessitates a comprehensive approach to treatment. Traditional addiction recovery methods alone are often insufficient, as they may not address the root causes of the substance use. Similarly, treating only the mental health aspect without addressing the addiction can leave a significant part of the problem unmanaged. Therefore, effective treatment must address substance use and mental health simultaneously. This approach not only helps in breaking the cycle of addiction but also aids in the healing of mental health wounds, paving the way for a more holistic and sustainable recovery.

Supporting Veterans in Recovery

Veterans’ friends, family members and communities are crucial in supporting their recovery. However, some may feel overwhelmed or unsure how to best support their loved ones. Here are some practical ways families and communities can help veterans facing substance use and mental health concerns like PTSD:

• Educating Yourself: Educate yourself about the complexities of PTSD and addiction. This understanding will help you build empathy and better understand your loved one’s challenges. Recognizing that recovery is an ongoing process with ups and downs will enable you to offer the right kind of support at the right time.
• Creating a Supportive Environment: A stable and nurturing home environment plays a significant role in a veteran's recovery. This involves keeping the lines of communication open, offering emotional support and encouraging positive habits and routines that promote wellness and recovery. 
• Encouraging Professional Help: Gently encourage veterans to seek professional help when necessary. This could mean participating in therapy, joining support groups or enrolling in specialized treatment programs for veterans. Helping them find and access the right resources, and sometimes even accompanying them to appointments, can be tremendously helpful.
• Community Involvement: Community involvement is invaluable for veterans. This might include local support groups specifically for veterans, community-based rehab programs or participating in veteran-focused activities and organizations. Communities can also raise awareness about the challenges veterans face and advocate for better resources and support systems.
• Advocacy: Be an advocate for veterans by sharing information about available resources and services. Whether it's information about local counseling services, support groups or recreational programs designed for veterans, spreading the word can help connect them with the support they need.
• Volunteering and Mentorship: Engaging in volunteer activities or offering mentorship can also be a powerful form of support. By volunteering with veteran organizations or becoming a mentor, you can provide a sense of community and belonging, which is often crucial for those feeling isolated in their struggles.

If you’re unsure where to start, we encourage you to reach out to a professional for advice and guidance. At NorthStar Transitions, our team is here to listen and learn how we can be of service. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. 

Additional Services & Resources

There are numerous services and resources available that are specifically tailored to veterans. These include VA services, specialized mental health treatment and rehab facilities that understand the unique challenges they face. There are also treatment centers like NorthStar Transitions that provide programs that cater to the specific needs of veterans.

• NorthStar Transitions Military & Veterans Program — Provides mental health and substance use treatment for veterans struggling with addiction. 
• Wounded Warrior Project — Provides mental health support and resources to improve the lives of veterans and their families. 
• VA Services — Provides comprehensive resources, treatment and information for veterans with PTSD and other physical or mental health concerns. 
• Mission 22 — Provides support, outreach, events and other programs for veterans and their families to promote long-term wellness.
• Veterans Crisis Line — Provides 24/7 crisis support for veterans; calls are confidential, and you don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits to use this service. 

Contact NorthStar Transitions

At NorthStar Transitions, we understand the unique challenges faced by veterans as they return to civilian life. Our team of professionals is equipped to provide specialized care that addresses both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD. We offer a range of treatment options designed to support veterans in regaining control of their lives and empowering them on the road to recovery.

If you or a veteran you know is struggling with addiction or PTSD, please reach out to us. Get in touch by calling NorthStar Transitions at 866-407-2240 or completing our online contact form to learn more about our treatment programs and how they can help.